Chapter 76:Madame Xanadu(2/3)
The soft, slow sound of some one clapping from behind them made the four of them turn around. Out from a wall that rippled as if it was water came a 5' 6” woman with curly black hair down to her shoulders, blue eyes, pale skin, wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans, black boots, and ripped t-shirt. Gypsy had a smirk on her face as she walked over to admire the work.
“So... I hear you have been looking for me?” Gypsy asks.
“We have...Is there a place we can talk?” Lash inquires after he bows from his waist to her with a practiced ease. Gypsy blinks in confusion, then gives a simple curtsy in response?
“Sure! Come on, lets get off the street.” Gypsy replies, and turns around. She walks straight into a wall that shimmers and ripples.
It took a bit of convincing for his companions because as far as they could tell it was a solid wall. It was only when they closed their eyes and were guided in by Lash that they walked through it. Gypsy could make illusions that tricked all five senses. Even if they weren't real, your mind made it real. Lash noticed that several inscription marks were on the walls holding the image. Gypsy may be a meta-human but someone with magical training was helping her.
Beyond the wall it was like night and day. There was a clean, all be it small shanty town behind the wall that was clean, well kept, full of little garden plots, and single room homes. Kids ran around, and said hello to Gypsy who said hello back. Adults kept an eye on the new comers. Lash and the others followed by Gypsy has the walked past a little square that had a simple water well in use where people collected water barrels. The simple life, in the middle of the city.
They continued to follow right up to a single trailer boxed in between two buildings. It was decorated with all sorts of charms, talismans, and inscriptions. Sitting in front of the trailer was an old women with gray hair, wrinkled skin, deep brown eyes, wearing a weathered sun dress, and boots. She had a wooden cane in hand that oozed magical energy. She smiled at Gypsy, while her eyes went bright at the sight of Lash.
“Hello Warden! What brings you to our home?” The old witch asked. Gypsy jumped in surprise when she heard the old grand mother speak. Lash performed a Warden etiquette bow in return, with hand gestures of peace and serenity. The witch smiled back at him.
“I was looking for her, the Warden's in the city made no mention that she was under the protection of a coven?” Lash inquired, and the witch smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
“She isn't! My coven left many years ago for greener pastures. But I stayed behind, this was my home long before the brick, and concrete arrived. It will be my home long after it turns to steel, and plastic. Please call me Ophelia! May I know your name, Warden?” Ophelia asked, a smile on her face. Knowing a persons name, even if its a fake name still grants a bit of power over them. If you identify by the name then it works on you.
“Warden Lash greets Priestess Ophelia.” Lash bows again, while his companions wave. Ophelia's eyes go wide at but her smile stays.
“Oh oh! So the Alien Wraith comes to call on us?” Ophelia said, while Gypsy looks at him with shock. “Come to recruit my grand daughter to the cause have you?” She inquires.
“Grand Mother, what is going on?” Gypsy asks, confusion clear on her face.
“Well lets hear what the Warden has to say. I've heard of him, he is suppose to be one of the good ones.” Ophelia replies and gently pats Gypsy's hand. Gypsy scrunches up her face and rolls her eyes at Ophelia who cackles at her.
“He is good! And he is honest! The best man I've met on this world!” Kory chose to step in at that moment. Ophelia turned to look at her and grinned. Kory froze mid step, Lash could feel a vast magical presence staring down at Kory. Ophelia was not a simple witch.
“Ah! Child born under a different star. Your life has been hard. I am happy to see that you have made true friends in your life. Yes, I see that you speak true about him.” Ophelia released what ever hold she had on Kory who was white as a ghost despite the illusion charm she wore. Kara came to her side to hold her up.
“Miss Reynolds.” Lash began, and Gypsy's eyes went wide at the sound of her last name. “We've come to recruit you into the Justice League, if your interested.” Lash asked, and Ophelia cackled loudly before Gypsy could respond.
“The team of heroes!? I thought you were here to recruit her into the Wardens!?” Ophelia says with a laugh, and slaps her knee.
“Ophelia is technically a Meta-Human and falls out of the jurisdiction of Warden Law.” Lash said in response. Ophelia stopped laughing at that and looked at Lash with a critical eye.
“I think you should look again!” Ophelia replied, Lash did as he was told and used Insight.
Name: Cynthia Reynolds “Cindy” /Gypsy.
Title: Princess of the Gypsy's, Stage Magician, Spy, (See tool tip)
Origin: Meta-Human. Sub-Origin: Magical.
Rank: D+
Skills: Hand to Hand, Acrobatics, Firearms, (See tool tip)
Power: Illusion Casting, Invisibility, Fear Projection, Limited Telepathy (See tool tip)
Domains: Illusion.
Racial Trait: N/A
Flaw: Temper.
Disposition: Friendly.
Comment: A long and hard life Cynthia has led. Full of ups and downs. But through strength of will, determination, and a lucky find of a old Witch Ophelia Gypsy as her friends call her as found a safe place in life.
“Ah! I see that I am wrong, and you are right. I apologize.” Lash says as he bows from his waist once more. Ophelia grinned at Lash and began to rock back and forth in her seat.
“Excuse me! Can I have a word in this discussion that may decide my future? I don't want to be a Warden. Being a Warden will take me away from my home!” Gypsy said with a glare at her 'Grand Mother' who scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“Miss Reynolds may I know how old you are?” Lash asked as he watched the two of them stare familiar daggers at one another.
“Me? I'm nineteen this year.” Gypsy replied, as Ophelia nodded her head as she counts the years on her fingers.
“Well that settles it, you have to be twenty one to be a Warden.” Lash replies, Ophelia swore up a storm for about a minute.
“What are you talking about!? The legal age is sixteen to join!” Ophelia barks out through gritted teeth.
“It was, about two hundred years ago...” Lash said with a smile as he winked at Gypsy who grinned back. Ophelia grumbled and slowly stood up and walked with shuffling steps into her old trailer. Lash was sure there was more to the trailer that met the common eye. It was decorated in charms.
“Dang nab it! Your right! Stupid! Why did they change it?” Ophelia came back out with a golden leather bound book, and a golden pen. Lash had seen these books before.
“Mundane society changed their rules. The supernatural world had to change with it or be left behind.” Lash said in return.
“So, about the Justice League? Do we get paid?” Gypsy asked, she looked at Kara, Kory, and Megan. Who smiled back at her.
Gypsy had lived her life on the street since she fourteen, when she ran away from home. She had only recently met Ophelia, and gained her meta-human powers. Lash signed her up and got an account for her. Eight bucks an hour, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Totals to about five thousand and change every month. He also made her a holographic phone to keep, along with an online education program at the community college. Ophelia was happy to see that her grand daughter would be educated. As soon as she signed on Vici started her security back ground check.
Before they left Lash created a shower house for the community. Tied into the natural spring that was in the community. Ophelia claims there use to be a natural spring in the area way back when. Which of course could mean before the city of Detroit ever existed? The shower house had solar panels, and spell absorption arrays on it. So clean, hot water! The community cheered, and were incredibly thankful for the new addition.
“Grand Mother, do you have a free door available? We have some traveling to do.” Lash inquired, and Ophelia with out missing a beat showed them to one of the ruined buildings with a free standing door, and its frame still intact. Lash walked over to the door and inscribed a spell across it, and knocked three times.
“Wayside Inn of Mystery, please.” Lash said softly, and opened the door.
Though everyone could literally see inside of the ruined building. When the door opened it didn't lead into the building. Inside was a brightly colored grand open hall. With decorative carpets, crystal chandeliers, grand stair cases leading upwards. A huge bar, and restaurant off the main hall. There to the side was a massive cherry wood desk with several attendants helping customers checking in. Standing next to the open door stood a 6'1” blue eyed, black haired Cain. Wearing a professionally tailored suit, with a rose in his lapel he bowed his head towards Lash.
“Warden Lash, welcome to the Wayside Inn of Mystery. Do we have guests attending?” Cain said in a smooth, educated voice. Lash bowed in return.
“Yes! I have three unfamiliar with the ways of our world. Safe familiar travel is requested.” Lash admitted. Cain nodded, and looked at Kory, Kara, and Megan who stood with their mouths open. Then Cain looked over at Gypsy, and Ophelia.
“Madam Ophelia, beautiful as ever I see. Will you be joining us?” Cain said with a sincere smile. Ophelia that old woman actually blushed and turned side ways, batting her eye lashes at Cain. For a brief moment it seem Ophelia was several decades younger.
“Oh no! Mr Cain unfortunately not! But, maybe on another day I'll bring my new grand daughter by.” Ophelia said, and Cain watched her with a smile.
Lash, along with his three companions walked through the door. Cain bowed from his waist once more towards Ophelia, and Gypsy then closed the door. Gypsy not believing her eyes walked over to the door and opened it. But this time all that was on the other side was the ruined building. She walked through it, and around it trying to find the trick. She walked back to Ophelia.
“Who is Warden Lash, grand mother?” Gypsy asked.
“Oh, he is a nice boy! Single too!...Well sorta. He's also rich! Did I tell you that?” Ophelia said with a smirk. Gypsy rolled her eyes then took Ophelia by the arm and led her back to her trailer.
“No, grand mother you did not. But if it makes you happy I'll talk to him again.” Gypsy said, Ophelia grinned, and shuffled her feet back to the trailer.
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“Will you be spending the evening Warden Lash?” Cain said softly as he led the group towards the waiting area.
“Afraid not, we have a lot to do. But I will spend a bit of time to share a story or two with the in Inn if that is acceptable.” Lash politely offered, the crystal chandeliers rocked back and forth, while the grand fire place roared to life as if to voice the Inns agreement.
“I believe the Inn will find that agreeable.” Cain said with a smile, he handed out three braclets for Kory, Kara, and Megan to wear. Also to not remove it while they remained in the Inn. Lash reinforced this comment and they all agreed. Cain excused himself to attend to other matters.
“Lash....Where are we, exactly?” Kara asked, as she looked around the grand entrance hall. The Wayside Inn of Mystery had a major face lift.
“We are with in a pocket space between dimensions. The Wayside Inn of Mystery, that is what this place is called. Is a building of living magic. Months ago I was able to rescue Zatanna Zatara from an issue that happened here. The house took a liking to me, I suggested that it transform into a Wayside Inn. The house, now an Inn loves stories, and people.” Lash replied to Kara's question. Which of course only raised more questions for Kara. Megan snapped her fingers, and smiled wide.
“So Uncle J'onn was right! You are like the high priests, and priestesses of H'Ronmeer. You practice the ancient form of magic. The art of manipulating and calling on the energy of the universe!” Megan bounced up and down.
Kara, and Kory both looked confused. Clearly they wanted to ask him questions. Both Krypton, and Tamara had gone through a time where both cultures had used magic, and Lash was sure their histories had recorded it. But for their advanced civilizations, magic was just a fairy tail that helped explain science they didn't understand yet. Maybe that was true in the long run, maybe it wasn't.
“We can talk more in depth when we get back to the hotel. For now, we need to find the information broker about the invasion.” Lash politely offered, and they agreed.
How do you explain magic to a scientifically advanced race? Lash was sure that was going to be an interesting conversation. But at least once he explained it he wouldn't have to lie about his abilities anymore. Though he would have to tell the Wardens about the slip of information. They stood in line for the front desk, though Lash found out that the entire staff was aware of who he was, and that he had VIP access he could have just come up front. Well notes for later! Megan spent the time telling Kara, and Kory about the priests, and priestess of Mars.
Krypton had religion. But at the time before its destruction the clergy were often believed to be con artists, and scammers. Who picked on the poor, impoverished areas of Krypton to steal food, money, and privilege from the less educated. Tamara had a Goddess named X'Hal that Kory was a firm believer in. But X'Hal had once been a mortal woman that became a Goddess. But that was through science! This opened a philosophical debate with Megan about her peoples Deities.
Lash led his companions to show floor in the Inn, a giant room with dozens of tables, tents, and booths for private conversations. As its a magical inn of course the private tents were larger on the inside then out. They came to a secluded section of the show floor were they came to see a woman sitting alone with a well adorned fabric laid out on top of the table. The fabric was covered in intricate symbols, and runes. While the woman placed cards on the fabric in a pattern.
“Come sit, Warden Lash. I've been expecting you.” The woman look up from her cards. Lash performed the Warden custom and courtesies, which she returned.
“Madame Xanadu, thank you for agreeing to meet with me.” Lash replied, and came to sit down at the table. Kara, Kory, and Megan joined him at the table, faces full of curiosity.
Madame Xanadu or known has Nimue Inwudu was 5'9” with green eyes, black hair tied back in a loose tail and kept out of her face with a purple shawl. She wore a beautiful gypsies purple dress with an assortment of gold and silver rings, bracelets, and earrings. A sheer fabric wrapped around the lower half of her face. Creating a sense of mystery, and shyness. Even though her eyes teased, and watched them as they sat. Xanadu had a very seductive figure in her clothes, her rich creamy skin looked soft, and she smelled amazing.
“So, what can I help you with Warden?” Xanadu asked, as she gathered up her cards.
“My current home reality is being invaded by another reality. I've come to ask the who, the where, and the what.” Lash replied as he watched her gather up the cards.
“Yes... I heard about that. But it is always good to ask. How will you be paying?” Xanadu asked, her green eyes flashed with interest as she looked Lash up and down. But soon were drawn to his company.
“A capable woman of your abilities wouldn't be interested in money. So, items of trade and barter seem appropriate.” Lash supplied an possible solution, Xanadu nodded and began to shuffled her deck.
“Word has it that you have access to Orichalcum? Ten pure coins seems like a.....Bargain?” Xanadu said with a smile, then her smile faltered as Lash placed ten ori coins on the table with out a second thought. “I should have asked for fifteen.” Xanadu said in response.
“Well maybe we can talk about a few things after for my companions.” Lash politely offered, Xanadu smiled in return and collected the coins.
Xanadu started to shuffle and cut the deck several times. Then set the deck in front of Lash, with out a word Lash cut the deck three times. Xanadu repeated this process several more times then began to set the first card down. Lash didn't recognize the card, it was not the standard tarot deck. She placed another then started to speak.
“The reality that invades your own comes from a place with little to no magic. Though magic will work in their reality, it is hardly used, and is not understood. This reality is a place of science, and technology.” Xanadu said, her voice soft while her eyes looked as though she was staring into the distance. She placed another card on the table.
“They have begun to test the limits of human body using different universal energies. You would know this as the Meta-Human gene.” Xanadu said once more. So that meant the world was just staring to become a hybrid world of Tech/Meta. Great.
“Three...This reality will be the third one they try to conquer not including their own. Their first invasion almost ended in failure, but this only made them stronger. They have learned from their mistakes, and will not make them again.” Xanadu spoke softly, as the soft ink marks on her body started to glow.
“Their original world is not fully won. There are many in the world that detest the new rule, and yearn for aid. The army are unwilling puppets, but are not in control of their strings.” She says, setting another card on the table.
“Their leader....Hates you! Despises you! Thinks of you as the greatest enemy they've ever had.” Xanadu says, a smile creeping across her lips. “The king remembers each, every life they've had since the first. You have been an enemy of theirs in every life.” She replies, which only confuses Lash.
“The door from their world, to yours is contained with in a snow covered forest of the North.” She finishes. Great, that could include North America, and all of Russia? Xanadu looks through the entire setting of the cards and nods.
“That is all I have for you. Would your friends like to ask a question or two?” Xanadu offers, hoping to make a bit of coin.
“When will Argo city arrive in the Sol System.” Kara asks. Xanadu reshuffles the deck, and has Kara cut it a few times. Xanadu raises three fingers, and Lash pulls three more coins out. Xanadu raises a well manicured eye brow realizing that Lash doesn't bat an eye at the price.
“When the puritan of your people is defeated, but not killed. Your home will arrive one year after thus.” Xanadu says, Kara looks confused but doesn't ask as Lash smiles at her.
“I understand when that is.” Lash provides.
“Can Lash help save my mother planet, Mars?” Megan says with a hopeful smile. Another three coins and a reshuffling.
“Yes, though it will mean a great change for your people and their way of life.” Xanadu replies. Megan is thoughtful but a smile blooms on her face.
Lash turns to Kory who was chewing on her lip in thought. She knew the woman would answer any question she had. This was a great opportunity for her. But she didn't know what ask, Xanadu held up a hand and reshuffled the deck. Lash understood and paid another three coins. Kory cut the deck three times and waited for an answer to a question she didn't know she had.
“One day, months from now your family will come to find you. A brother, and a sister. One comes with love, one comes with anger. But with the help of your friends, both will become your family again. If you let them.” Xanadu finished, and Kory head tears falling from her eyes. She quickly blinked and rubbed her face.
“Anything else, Warden Lash.” Xanadu asks with a smile.
“No, thank you.” Lash stood up and bowed from his waist. She nodded in return, she glanced at each of the women around him with a smile. Then returned to her cards, shuffling and placing.
Kory walked up to Lash as they walked through the Inn, and took his hand in her own and squeezed. He looked back at her with a smile and nodded. Answering a question she had with out using words. Yes, he would help her fix her family if she asked him too. Before they left Lash went to a private box with the ladies and ordered dinner and told them a story. A story about Arthur Curry, Y'Mera Xebella Challa, and the throne of Atlantis. The story took several hours to tell, he used his illusion domain to illustrate different moments and practice his story telling. Acting gained several experience points.
By the end it was nearly midnight, at least in their time zone. The Inn was some place else! They gathered their things, and Lash gently patted the near by wall. The Inn was happy for the story. They walked to one of the exit doors. When they walked out they came from a door only a block away from their hotel. Walking through the hotel doors they went to their room, while his companions got ready for bed. Lash went to his Enchanting kit to finish the charms.
“Vici, are you awake?” Lash asked, as he used Connectivity.
“Yes, father I am here! How may I help you?” Vici replied, yawning softly across the link.
“Can you please notify the Justice League that tomorrow morning I will be holding a meeting. Any league members available who have the security clearance should attend on the Watch Tower, or over communications. We have items to discuss.” Lash asked, a moment later a broad cast went over the JL message board.
“Thank you, Vici. How is your progression?” Lash asked, as he finished the second charm and started to inscribe the third.
“Wonderful, father! Though with out Miss Katma's assistance I don't have a stable supply of asteroids. I've been recycling the decommission satellites left behind by the mundane population. My overall grade is still F-, but I hope to achieve F grade in less then two weeks!” Vici replied with the enthusiasm of a young teenager wanting to show off.
“That is most excellent! I have another module for you tomorrow, maybe two depending on who attends. Should help expand your abilities.” Lash said, as he checked his Dream Points. He had two DP, and four DP on his credit card.
“Excellent father! Can you tell me what they are so I can prepare the proper space for them?” Vici replied, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Head quarters for official meetings, and the Droid Service module.” Lash said with a smile.
“Wonderful! I'll prepare space for both! Please excuse me father! Much to do!” Vici said, and zipped off from the link they shared to make space on the Watch Tower.
Several hours before the sun rose the next day. Lash was half way complete on the last charm. He carefully put it away and went to the balcony to use Meditation. He took his time to access, and look over each Domain he had. Gaining experience in each Domain, and spell. He opened his eyes after he finished with Conjuration his latest Domain to find Megan sitting in front of him with her eyes closed. The sun was just beginning to peek out. Blue skies filling out, and the morning dew evaporating. Lash carefully reached out and softly poked her nose. Megan scrunched her nose, and smiled.
“Good morning, Lash.” Megan said, as she opened her eyes to look at him. Lash reached out and placed his hands on her knees then asked her a question.
“Why are you hiding your heritage, Megan?” Lash asked, Megan's eyes went wide and she tried to move away but Lash held onto her.
“Wh...I..... What!?” Megan said, horrified.
“If you don't want to tell me why its fine. Everyone has their secrets, including me. But if you ever want to talk I am here.” Lash said softly, Megan swallowed audibly and shrunk down. Lash with out a word pulled the white martian into his arms and held her close as she buried her face into his arms.
“You won't tell any one?” Megan says softly.
“No, it is your secret to tell. But if or when you do. I'll be there to support you.” Lash said, as he ran his hands up and down her back, and arms. Megan sunk into his embrace and tried to calm her beating heart.
They stayed that way for a while, until Megan heard footsteps from inside and slowly slipped from Lash's arms. But not before she leaned in and kissed his cheek whispering a thank you. He let her go and breathed in the morning air. He felt better today, more energized. But not completely whole. He looked into himself and saw his status. Everything was 100%, but he still felt off. Maybe the threat of the invasion left a lingering shred of doubt on him?
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A spell script coiled, and prepared for a spring jump from the service onto the portal hub on the Watch Tower. With an audible pop! The spring jumped up, and down! Revealing Lash with out glamour or illusion. He wore his Daemonic Warden armor with no mask. He understood he was taking a risk by revealing himself completely. But everyone in direct attendance should know him, and any one through holographic would see a different image.
“Good morning, father! The meeting is set for another few hours, is it time for new modules!?” Vici called out across the station.
“Yes, daughter it is!” Lash said, he stepped across the room with a bit of bounce in his step from the lighter gravity.
Lash move to the central stem elevator access and stepped in. The compartment was a bit bigger then last time. Vici must have taken notice that Saurian didn't fit and updated it. A few moments later and Lash stepped out into the main control hub in the secondary saucer piece. He called the store catalog down and found the pages for the habitat. Spending 4 DP.
Head Quarters: The big table! Though it appears to be purely cosmetic it in fact represents the leadership of the Justice League. Big decisions are decided here. This room grants a bonus to leadership, team work, and improve moral. (R&D module applied.) 2 DP
Droid Services: A module that specializes in the creation, service, and repair of the robotic workers of the station. Due to the unique User origin the Droids are designed with Arcane Science. (R&D module applied) 2 DP
Lash inserted the two new spell inscribed orbs into Vici's main data port. The ripple of energy, and hundreds of new spell scripts danced across the whole station. With it being a brand new day, Lash uses his Transmuter title effect and makes a Tiberium ingot and feeds it into the energy core. Vici energy levels increase by another 10%. He takes the elevator back to the main saucer and watches as two more modules are created by pulling energy from Vici's main core and 3-D prints the rooms.
Each module on the station was its own compartment. Capable of being moved, and expanded based on the needs of the station. Though in the future they would have more permanent residence, for now this was more than satisfactory. Vici prioritized the Droid Services first because it would help with the rest of the station.
“Father, what design and specifications should we set the Droids to be?” Vici inquired as the module was nearly complete.
“Concentrate on quality over quantity. Use a standard humanoid model, though inefficient I think it will be better suited for the people of Earth. At least for now. In the future we may think about having multiple limbs, and other tools.” Lash offered to Vici.
“Very well, father. I'll draw up and create a Medical Droid first to assist me when there are injuries.” Vici commented, as she began to multi task and create the Head Quarters module, and create the medical droid.
Lash walked into the Droid Services module and saw a little automated work shop. Several mechanical arms cave a rigid skeleton system with fewer bones, the chest cavity was a solid piece instead of ribs. Then Vici started to add synthetic muscles, tendons, and a polymer skin. Vici knew Lash's mind even if he didn't say anything. Before the body was complete she started to place armored plates onto the Droid. Yes, it was a medical Droid. But it would have combat capabilities. Lash placed some Nth metal into the assembly feed, and placed more Ori, Nth, Mithril, and Kryptonite into the supply cache. Why Kryptonite? Because if Superman, or Supergirl were injured a Kryptonite scalpel would be one of the few things they could use for surgery.
Nth metal Medical Droid, R&D bonus applied.
Rating: E-
Effect: Very Durable.
Effect: 1% Durability repaired every day as long as it has power.
Effect: Full knowled-->>